Fifth disease?

Question

I was wondering if anyone has had a child that has had this viral infection? My daughter was just diagnosed with this yesterday. And has this rash all over her body running a fever for 4 days and is miserable.I have been giving alternating motrin and tylenol along with warm baths but it doesn't help much From some articles I have read on the internet it isn't supposed to be this bad.

Answer 1

What is the treatment for fifth disease?

The treatment is supportive only. Fluids, acetaminophen, and rest are important. Antibiotics are of no use in the treatment of fifth disease since it is a viral illness. In those with persistent arthritis, antiinflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used.

What is "fifth disease"?

Fifth disease is a temporary illness caused by a virus known as parvovirus B 19. Fifth disease (also known as "erythema infectiosum" and "slap cheek") is so named because in the pre-vaccination era, it was frequently the "fifth disease" that a child would develop. About 50% of adults have been infected with the virus but do not remember having it because it often does not cause symptoms.

What are the symptoms of fifth disease?

Fifth disease generally occurs in children between 5-15 years of age, but can affect any age group, including adults. It most commonly occurs during the winter and spring. The illness begins with a low-grade fever and malaise (a sense of not feeling well). This is followed by a characteristic bright red rash on the cheeks (the so called "slapped cheeks" rash). Finally, a fine, red, lace-like rash can develop over the rest of the body. This rash may last for 5 days to a week and occasionally comes and goes for up to 3 weeks. The other symptoms are usually gone by the time the rash appears.

While the illness is not serious in children, 80% (4 out of 5) of adults with fifth disease can have joint aches and pains. This arthritis is usually temporary, lasting days to weeks, but may become a long-term problem for months. People with arthritis from fifth disease usually have stiffness in the morning, with redness and swelling of the same joints on both sides of the body (a "symmetrical" arthritis). The joints most commonly involved are the knees, fingers, and wrists.

What are the serious complications of fifth disease?

Rarely, patients have difficulties forming a normal number of white and red blood cells as a result of fifth disease. This complication can be fatal, but is exceedingly rare.

Pregnant women (who have not previously had the illness) should avoid contact with patients who have fifth disease. The fifth disease virus can infect the fetus prior to birth. And, while no birth defects have been reported as a result of fifth disease, it can cause the death of the unborn fetus. The risk of fetal death is 5-10% if the mother becomes infected.

Answer 2

hi there! i am sorry to hear that your child has this fifth disease. my dayghter was diagonosed with this 2 summers ago...... it is a viral thing, since antibiotics will not respond to antibiotics, there`s not much that you can do, except for letting this run it`s coarse, and continue to do what your doing. alternate motrin and tylenol and keeping cool is a big key also. the hotter you become the worse the rash will be. it will eventually go away on its own. it took my daughter about 4 to 5 days or so. good luck! hope your daughter gets to feeling better real soon!!!!

Answer 3

Both of my kids were diagnosed with 5th disease about a month ago. And the rash has only recently gone away.

But neither of mine had a fever or were miserable. They were gross to look at, but otherwise completely fine.

I'd call the pediatrician tomorrow and just get some reassurance that they're still confident of the diagnosis and that you're doing everything you can to keep your little one comfortable.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Fifth's disease is usually pretty mild but the fever can make her miserable. If her fever is not improving and lasts >72 hours I would take her in for another check. Give her plenty of fluids, and treat the fever with acetaminophen(Tylenol) or if she is >6 months then ibuprofen is ok too.The slapped cheek rash is it's classic symptom.

Answer 5

5th disease is the fifth communicable disease after mumps, chicken pox, measles, and rubella. it is a viral infection that can last up to 3 weeks. it will present with a fever and the "slapped cheeks" appearance. treat the symptoms.
give your daughter advil every 6 hrs and tylenol every 4 hours for the fever. dress her lightly and don't bundle her in blankets. tepid baths are good. give her lots of popsicles and anything else she wants to drink.

Answer 6

My nephew had it when he was 17 months old. My sister did the same things you are doing and he was okay. He was COVERED in the rash and it actually started on his face. Mostly on his chin (looked like someone clocked him) and it was ALL over him. There was not one single area un-rashed.
she kept him in very light clothes and kept his room cool. She did tepid baths and gave him tylenol. Plenty of rest and fluids. He got over it in a few days. But the poor guy was miserable. He is usually a hellion.....running/jumping and into everything. this really had him down for a few days. It was scary.

Answer 7

i had that diease a couple years ago... and i wasent nearly that bad... all i remember was staying home from school to go to the doctors... was a little itchy, i got medicine for it but nothing bad i think i was home 1-2 days

Answer 8

if you cant keep her fever down go back to the doctor. the emergency room if need be. make sure you keep your little one hydrated. you don't want to deal with that too. you have alot on your plate.

Answer 9

Take her to the doctor tomorrow or at least call him up for assurance. It will make you feel better.

Answer 10

Im sorry I dont know wat 5th d. is